SR Shibuya players observing pre-draft workout[Photo]= Basketball King
On January 13th, Sunrockers Shibuya, who acquired the first overall pick in the “B League Draft 2026”, held the “Sunrockers Shibuya Pre-Draft Workout 2026”, gathering 10 potential players. Current player Reio Bendramme, who was at the venue to observe the event, responded to the media’s interview.
With the first B Draft coming up in two weeks, SR Shibuya, who received the first pick in the first round, has released his first attempt. Promising domestic university students who have submitted their draft applications are invited to the practice facility, where they prepare an original menu that envisions not only 5-on-5 scrimmages, but also 1-on-1, 2-on-2, and 1-on-2 situations. Each time, the coaching staff made requests such as “How to make decisions in this situation,” “Show us your best finishing,” and “We’re watching the defense here,” and each player showed off their strengths.
Meanwhile, SR Shibuya players Reiko Bendramme, Jean Lawrence Harper Jr., Andrew Randall, and Josh Hawkinson also visited the venue. “I think it’s a lot of fun. There are a lot of really good players, and I think it was a difficult practice session for them, but I got the impression that there were a lot of players who were really fun to watch,” said Bendramme, looking back on the pre-draft workout that brought together the No. 1 prospects.
[Photo]= Basketball King
When asked about the participating player that he was interested in, he said, “I originally knew Akama (Kento) as a junior at Tokai University,” referring to the youngest scorer at 20 years old. “He shoots extremely well, and since he left university to become a pro, I think he’s taking on this kind of draft with great determination.I think it’s great to see him,” he said of his impressions.
When SR Shibuya acquired the No. 1 pick in the draft, general manager Ryota Matsuoka expressed his thoughts about the type of player he was looking for in the “Dora 1”, saying, “He should be a player with the kind of humanity that would allow him to become a franchise player, or someone who could lead the league.” Bendramme expressed his expectations, saying, “I think players who can play confidently, who can score well, and who can help the team win on their own will be the players who carry the weight of the team in the future, so I’d be happy if such players come to the team.”
The B League is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is undergoing major structural reforms. Draft, which has a major impact on team composition, will also be introduced as part of this. Bendramme said, “I think there are players who can be immediately effective,” and is looking forward to the draft, which will be held for the first time on January 29th. While mentioning the hardships faced by club leaders as they work out their draft strategies, he gave encouragement to the potential players who entered, saying, “I think it’s something to be extremely proud of to be able to enter into this memorable first draft, and I hope that they can be confident and play an active role as professional players.”
▼SR Shibuya Pre-Draft Workout Participants
Tsukioka Nozomi (4th year at Nippon Sports University/PG)
Tomohiro Tsukamoto (4th year, Daito Bunka University/PG)
Yori Iwaya (Waseda University 4th year/PG)
Daichi Harima (4th year, Meiji University/SG)
Western Show Horse (4th year at Nippon Sports University/SG)
Kento Akama (2nd year, Tokai University/SG)
Rakuto Arai (4th year, Nihon University/SG)
Haruya Matsuno (4th year Senshu University/PG/SG)
Bongojiron (4th year, Kokushikan University/PF)
Yasuteru Akiba (4th year, Edogawa University/SG)
[Photo]= Basketball King
Takumi Ii (1st year, University of Tsukuba) *From SR Shibuya Youth
Shintaro Onizawa (3rd year at Meiji University) *From SR Shibuya Youth
